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The Rockbridge County High School outdoor track and field teams opened the season with strong performances last Wednesday at Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater.
Leading the RC boys was senior Konner Orebaugh, who set personal records (PRs) in the 100-meter (placing 18th in 12.21 seconds) and 200-meter (finishing 12th in 24.69) dash runs.
Also stepping up was freshman Jakob Bailey, who placed 38th in the 100 in 12.92 seconds and 31st in the 200 in 26.44. Bailey also competed in two field events, tying for 11th in the high jump by clearing 4 feet, 10 inches and finishing 23rd in the long jump with a leap of 14 feet.
Freshman Abdus-Salam Lasisi came in 60th in the 100 in 15.48 seconds and 53rd in the 200 in 31.15.
Coming off a strong swimming season, senior Will Gibbs placed 14th in the 1600-meter run in 5:26.6 and 15th in the 800-meter run in 2:23.73.
Leading the RC girls, freshman Celia Jones placed third in the 100-meter hurdles in 18.37 seconds, fourth in the 100-meter dash in 13.67 and seventh in the long jump with a leap of 13 feet, 10 inches.
Freshman Abigail Harding placed fifth in the 100-meter hurdles in 19.61 seconds and eighth in the 100-meter dash in 14.57. In the long jump, Harding came in 18th with a leap of 12-7.5.
Sophomore Evelyn McClung set PRs in the 100-meter dash (11th, 14.63) and 200-meter dash (16th, 31.41).
Longtime head coach Jennifer Showalter said freshman Emily Carroll “displayed her versatility” across hurdles, sprints and jumps. Carroll placed ninth in the 100-meter hurdles (21.08 seconds), 21st in the 100-meter dash (15.25) and 21st in the long jump (11-6). Carroll and Harding tied for 13th in the high jump, clearing 3-10.
Representing the Wildcats in the girls’ 1600-meter run was freshman Alice Gresham, placing 11th in 7:55.35.
The RC girls placed fourth in the 4 X 100-meter relay in 56.88 seconds. Team members were McClung, Harding, Carroll and Jones.
Leading the RC girls’ throwers, all freshman, was Sydney Knick, placing 14th in the shot put with a toss of 22 feet, 10.25 inches and finishing 23rd in the discus with a heave of 54-1. Also throwing well was Cate Skaggs, placing 16th in the discus with a throw of 60-9 and finishing 25th in the shot put with a toss of 18 feet. Showalter also praised her other throwers: Valen Drake, Loyda Little and Julian Woodward.
Looking forward to working with this year’s team, Showalter said she is optimistic, “despite being comprised mostly of young athletes. Except for the two senior boys, and two sophomores, the remainder are freshmen.”
“Our team showcased great talent and performances at the first meet,” said Showalter.
The RC coach said that, this season, the Wildcats are focusing more on sprints and jumps.
Leading the Wildcats as co-captains are senior boys Gibbs and Orebaugh and sophomore girls Gresham and Mc-Clung.
Returning to serve as assistant coaches are Julie Tisone, who is working with the distance runners, and throwing coach Eric Wilhelm.
Next up the Wildcats will travel for a meet at Spotswood on Thursday at 5 p.m.
